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| United States Patent |
6,173,837
|
|
Marconi
|
January 16, 2001
|
Carrying case with interchangeable side panels
Abstract
A carrying case with interchangeable side panels includes a suitcase and a
number of ornamental side panels releasably attachable to the outside of
the suitcase. The interchangeable ornamental side panels substantially
cover the underlying structural side panels of the suitcase, and can be
changed out without opening the suitcase or disassembling. This means the
contents need not be disturbed in changing over the look and appearance of
the carrying case, nor is the integrity of the suitcase compromised in any
way. The carrying case may further include flanged framework around the
interchangeable ornamental side panels to hold down the edges thereof. The
flanged framework may be configured such that the ornamental side panel
edges are tucked under. The carrying case may also be arrived at by simply
reworking or converting a conventional suitcase.
| Inventors:
|
Marconi; Elizabeth (2604 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
444447 |
| Filed:
|
November 22, 1999 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
206/457; 40/312; 190/125 |
| Intern'l Class: |
B65D 073/00; A45C 013/00 |
| Field of Search: |
206/459.1,457
190/26,124,125
40/312
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
| Re34361 | Aug., 1993 | Pratt.
| |
| 2438780 | Mar., 1948 | Hochner | 190/125.
|
| 3575226 | Apr., 1971 | Chapman.
| |
| 3710901 | Jan., 1973 | Guard et al.
| |
| 4938326 | Jul., 1990 | Pfeiffer.
| |
| 5009319 | Apr., 1991 | Jantzen.
| |
| 5400903 | Mar., 1995 | Cooley.
| |
| 5529184 | Jun., 1996 | Sadow.
| |
| 5533558 | Jul., 1996 | Carey et al. | 190/26.
|
| 5560479 | Oct., 1996 | Leyba et al.
| |
| 5607054 | Mar., 1997 | Hollingsworth.
| |
| 5775497 | Jul., 1998 | Krulik.
| |
| 5803266 | Sep., 1998 | Blackwelder | 206/458.
|
| 5870282 | Feb., 1999 | Andre et al.
| |
Primary Examiner: Gehman; Bryon P.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Cislo & Thomas
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A carrying case comprising:
a suitcase having two halves which may be brought together forming a closed
container, each half having a structural side panel of substantial size;
and
a plurality of ornamental side panels about the same size as the structural
side panels reasonably attachable over the structural side panels outside
the closed container;
wherein the suitcase further includes flanged framework surrounding each of
the structural side panels outside the closed container, the flanged
framework configured such that edges of the ornamental side panels may be
tucked under the flanged framework when attaching the ornamental side
panels;
whereby the ornamental side panels substantially cover the structural side
panels, and may be interchanged without opening the closed container or
disassembling the suitcase.
2. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the plurality of ornamental side
panels are attachable to the structural side panels with hook and loop
fasteners.
3. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the flanged framework is integral
to the suitcase.
4. The carrying case of claim 1 further including a small tag attached to a
corner of each of the ornamental side panels, for pulling the ornamental
side panels out from under the flanged framework.
5. The carrying case of claim 4 wherein the small tag is releasably
attached to the ornamental side panel, and the small tag is of a thickness
substantially less than the clearance between the flanged framework and
the structural side panel, thereby making it usable as a tool in tucking
the edges of the ornamental side panels under the flanged framework.
6. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the flanged framework is configured
to provide a small clearance between the flanged framework and the
structural side panels, the clearance slightly greater than the thickness
of the ornamental side panels.
7. A method for converting a suitcase into a carrying case having
interchangeable side panels, the method comprising:
providing a conventional suitcase having two halves which may be brought
together forming a closed container, each half having a structural side
panel of substantial size,
providing flanged framework configured to surround each of the structural
side panels outside the closed container; and
providing a plurality of ornamental side panels about the same size as the
structural side panels;
releasably attaching one of the ornamental side panels over each of the
structural side panels outside the closed container;
tucking the ornamental side panels under the flanged framework.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising:
providing a small tag attached to a corner of each of the ornamental side
panels; and
pulling the tag to remove the ornamental side panels out from under the
flanged framework.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to convertible luggage, and more
particularly to a computer laptop carrying case or briefcase with
interchangeable side panels to vary the ornamental appearance of the case.
2. Description of the Related Art
In this age of portable electronic computers, the design or fashion options
for carrying cases remain quite limited. Black vinyl or leather bags are
commonplace, as well as hard cases of various solid colors. The bland
appearance of such conventional cases is believed justified by their
perceived appropriateness for all occasions.
Still, it may be desirable to display an ornamental design coordinating
with a user's outfit that day, a school emblem, a company logo, or an
advertising slogan for an important client. Consequently, the prior art
includes carrying cases having some adaptability, such as interchangeable
side panels made possible by altering the structure of various cases. U.S.
Pat. Nos. 3,575,226 and 3,738,458, issued to Chapman and Yount,
respectively, are representative examples of such adaptable carrying
cases.
Although adaptable cases such as those disclosed in the Chapman and Yount
patents have proven generally suitable for their intended purposes, they
possess inherent deficiencies which detract from their overall
effectiveness and desirability. The Chapman and Yount cases are configured
for partial structural disassembly to change the side panels, making those
designs complex and costly.
That way of changing the panels also necessarily means the contents of the
cases are potentially exposed while doing the changeover. Additionally,
the integrity of the case may be generally compromised if it is more
susceptible to being broken into or allowing moisture in around the side
panels. Finally, the Chapman and Yount carrying cases are unique designs,
seemingly eliminating the possibility of reworking the conventional
carrying cases described above to add the interchangeability feature.
It would be an advance in the art to overcome these shortcomings and to
resolve these disadvantages, in a manner to provide an improved and
versatile carrying case that is useful and attractive.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrying case having
interchangeable side panels not part of the structure of the overall case
itself.
It is an additional object of the present invention that the
interchangeable panels be securely retained once installed, although not
requiring any disassembly of the carrying case structure to accomplish the
installation.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a carrying
case having interchangeable side panels, attachable and releasable while
the contents of the case remain enclosed.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a carrying
case having interchangeable side panels without compromising the integrity
of the case to being tampered with or allowing the entry of foreign
matter.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a kit for
converting an existing conventional carrying case into one having
interchangeable side panels which are easily changed out.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be
apparent from the description and drawings which follow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention specifically addresses the deficiencies of the prior
art mentioned above, as well as the objects of the invention. More
particularly, the present invention is a carrying case including a
suitcase having structural side panels, and a number of ornamental side
panels about the same size as the structural side panels for temporary
attachment thereto on the outside of the suitcase. The ornamental side
panels, not being part of the structure of the suitcase, may be
interchanged without opening the suitcase or disassembling it in any way.
The ornamental side panels generally cover the underlying structural side
panels, and are preferably attachable with conventional hook and loop
fasteners, such as those sold under the Velcro.RTM. trademark. The
suitcase may further include integral flanged framework surrounding each
of the structural side panels outside the suitcase, configured such that
the edges of the ornamental side panels may be tucked under the flanged
framework when installing the same. That is, the flanged framework
preferably provides a small clearance between itself and the structural
side panel, slightly more than the thickness of the ornamental side
panels.
The ornamental side panels may further include a small tag attached to a
corner of each, for pulling the ornamental side panels out from under the
flanged framework upon detaching a particular ornamental side panel. The
small tag is preferably of a thickness substantially less than the
clearance between the flanged framework and the structural side panel,
thereby making it usable as a tool in tucking the edges of the ornamental
side panels under the flanged framework.
A method for converting a suitcase into a carrying case having
interchangeable side panels is also part of the invention. The method
includes providing the suitcase having the structural side panels,
providing the ornamental side panels, and releasably attaching one of the
ornamental side panels to each of the structural side panels outside the
suitcase. Still further, the method may include providing the small tag
attached to the corner of each of the ornamental side panels, and pulling
the tag to remove the ornamental side panels out from under the flanged
framework.
These, as well as other advantages of the present invention will become
more apparent from the following description and drawings. It is
understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may
be made within the scope of the claims which follow without departing from
the spirit of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the carrying
case of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment showing
the interchangeable side panels removed.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged section view of the attachment of the side panel to
the case.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended
drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments
of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which
the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description
sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and
operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.
However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and
sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also
intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
The carrying case with interchangeable side panels 10 of the present
invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, which depict presently
preferred embodiments of the invention. Referring first to FIG. 1, shown
is an overall top perspective view of the carrying case 10 including a
suitcase 20 having two halves 22 which have been brought together to form
a closed container 24. The suitcase 20 further includes a pair of
conventional locking mechanisms 26 and a handle 28. The carrying case 10
is shown with a flowered pattern ornamental side panel 40.
Now also referring to the exploded view of FIG. 2 and the enlarged section
view of FIG. 3, the preferred embodiments may be further described.
Underlying the ornamental side panels 40 are structural side panels 30 of
the suitcase 20. Attached to the top side of the structural side panels 30
as well as the underside of the ornamental side panels 40 are backings of
complementary hook and loop fastening material 32, 42.
A pair of releasably-attachable ornamental side panels 40 are shown
separated from the suitcase 20. Besides the flowered pattern 44, any
checkerboard, stripes or other decorative pattern (not shown) may appear
on the top sides of the ornamental side panels 40. Alternatively,
advertising slogans or other printed matter (not shown) could appear on
the ornamental side panels 40. The ornamental side panels 40 are about the
same size as the underlying structural side panels 30.
The carrying case 10 may include flanged framework 34 surrounding the
structural side panels 30, integral to the suitcase 20 as shown.
Alternatively, separate flanged framework pieces (not shown) could be
installed over the corners of a conventional suitcase. Provided under the
flanged framework 34 is sufficient clearance for tucking in the edges of
the ornamental side panels 40. The flanged framework 34 also serves the
purpose of protecting and reinforcing the suitcase 20, as the corners are
usually most susceptible to inadvertent brushing against walls and the
like in carrying the suitcase 20.
Preferably, one of the corners of each of the ornamental side panels 40
also includes a releasably-attached tag 46. Besides possibly displaying a
trademark, the tag 46 also serves as a pull chain enabling a portion of
the ornamental side panel to be removed out from under the flanged
framework 34. Further, the tag 46 is preferably detachable from the
ornamental side panel 40, such that it may be utilized as a tool to tuck
the edges of the ornamental side panel 40 under the flanged framework 34,
before being reattached to the ornamental side panel 40.
Having described the structure of the preferred embodiment, it is now
possible to describe its use. The carrying case 10 may be provided ready
to use with a suitcase 20 (having integral flanged framework 34) and
several sets of ornamental side panels 40. The user would select the
desired ornamental side panels 40, and cover the underlying structural
side panels 30 and mate the hook and loop fastening material 32, 42. Then
the user would tuck the edges of the ornamental side panels 40 under the
flanged framework 34. If necessary, the tag 26 could be detached and used
to assist in tucking in the edges of the ornamental side panels 40, and
then reattached to the lower corner of the ornamental side panel 40.
To interchange the ornamental side panels 40, the user would pull on the
tag 26 to free a portion of the ornamental side panel 40 out from under
the flanged framework 34, and then pull free the other edges and separate
the hook and loop fastening material 32, 42 so as free the ornamental side
panel 40 from the underlying structural side panel 30. Then a different
ornamental side panel 40 would be installed as outlined above.
Alternatively, the carrying case 10 may be constructed from a conventional
suitcase into the preferred embodiments described above. A kit to
accomplish the rework or conversion may include a pair of separate flanged
framework pieces 34, as well as the ornamental side panels 40 and hook and
loop fastener material 32, 42. Other sundry items such as a general
purpose glue or adhesive of some kind, and spacers might also be included
as part of the kit.
Initially the separate flanged framework pieces 34 might be trimmed to fit,
and installed around the structural side panels 30 on each half of the
conventional suitcase, maintaining an appropriate gap between the flanges
framework pieces 34 and the structural side panel 30 through use of a
removable spacer. Then the ornamental side panels might be trimmed to fit,
and the hook and loop fastening material 32, 42 installed onto the
ornamental side panels 40 as well as the underlying structural side panels
30. The installation and subsequent interchanging of the ornamental side
panels 40 would be performed as described above.
It is understood that the invention described herein and shown in the
drawings represent only presently preferred embodiments of the invention.
Indeed, various modifications and additions may be made to such
embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
These and other modifications and additions may be obvious to those
skilled in the art and may be implemented to adapt the present invention
for use in a variety of different applications.
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